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Spanish Rice with Beans
Most of us have at least a passing familiarity with Spanish rice; if we have not had it on its own, we have probably had it as part of the filling for stuffed peppers or other stuffed vegetables. A method of preparing rice which involves sautéing the rice in oil along with garlic and onion before cooking in stock or water along with a little tomato, this is a very popular side dish in former Spanish colonies like Mexico as well as in the US.
The rice should have a pale orange-red color and a mild tomato and onion flavor once it is done. It cooks quickly and makes a perfect accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes but it is also great served on its own or simply with some beans, as it is in this rice and beans recipe.
The beans used in this recipe are kidney beans which of course are known for pairing well with tomato (as in chili, for instance), but you can go ahead and substitute these with black beans, pinto beans or almost any others you prefer.
Arroz con Frijoles (Rice and Beans)
Ingredients -
2 cups long grain white rice
1 small yellow or white onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
3 cups stock (vegetable or chicken)
1 heaping tablespoon tomato paste or 1 cup of diced fresh or cooked tomatoes, strained
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed and heated
½ tsp oregano
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Preparation:
Heat the oil in a skillet while bringing the stock to a boil in a separate saucepan.
Sauté the rice along with the garlic and onions until the onions turn translucent, stirring regularly, about 4-5 minutes add the oregano and cook for another minute.
Transfer the rice to the stock once it reaches a boil, add the tomatoes, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook, covered for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
Allow to rest for 5 minutes, fluff with a fork and serve hot, topping each plate with a helping of beans.
(Serves 4)
Photo Description:
Rice and beans is a classic dish which is a staple of Mexican cuisine as well as the cuisines of many other countries. While an ordinary dish of rice and beans can be anything but ordinary in its own right, once you have dressed up the rice by cooking it in the Spanish rice style, you will have something really special on your plate. A scoop of kidney beans on top completes the dish, making a blend of flavors, textures and tastes which deserves to share the spotlight once in a while instead of being relegated to strictly being a side dish.
